The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has officially launched the KNUST–GNCCI Junior Chamber at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), expanding a national initiative designed to prepare university students for entrepreneurship, private sector leadership, and job creation.

The launch forms part of GNCCI’s broader strategy to strengthen university industry collaboration and equip young Ghanaians with practical business skills, mentorship, and access to enterprise networks.

The programme builds on earlier launches at the University of Ghana and Takoradi Technical University in 2025. The event brought together university leadership, representatives of government, the private sector, students, and development partners to advance a shared agenda of youth entrepreneurship and economic transformation.

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In his address, Stephane Miezan, President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Junior Chamber initiative responds directly to Ghana’s demographic and employment realities.

He noted that Ghana’s youthful population presents significant opportunities for innovation and enterprise. However, many young graduates continue to face challenges transitioning from education into employment or entrepreneurship due to limited access to business networks, mentorship, practical training, and capital.

According to the GNCCI President, the Junior Chamber seeks to bridge this gap by creating a national entrepreneurial network for students and young innovators.

“Through the GNCCI Junior Chamber, students will gain practical entrepreneurial training, mentorship from experienced business leaders, and access to industry networks that will enable them to transform ideas into sustainable enterprises,” Miezan said.

He added that the initiative aims to nurture a new generation of business leaders who will contribute to private sector development, job creation, and Ghana’s long term economic growth.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of KNUST, David Asamoah, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of closer collaboration between academia and industry.

He noted that universities must increasingly serve as platforms for innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem solving within national economies.

Professor Asamoah said the partnership between KNUST and GNCCI will give students direct exposure to the realities of business, while helping them translate academic knowledge into practical solutions that contribute to enterprise development and national progress.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, was represented at the event by Ben Abdallah Alhassan, Municipal Chief Executive of the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly. Delivering the Minister’s message, Alhassan described the initiative as a timely intervention to address youth unemployment and strengthen entrepreneurship development among Ghana’s tertiary students.

Data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicate that youth unemployment remains a significant national challenge, with unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 estimated at 32.5 percent. Initiatives that strengthen entrepreneurial capacity among students are therefore critical to expanding job creation and private sector growth.

The GNCCI Junior Chamber programme provides participating students with mentorship opportunities, business development training, networking platforms, and exposure to emerging sectors such as digital entrepreneurship and intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
 
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